An Attitude of Gratitude

I have talked about gratitude before, but I believe it is important to our well being and our health; it deserves some repeating. Two days ago, although it was a Sunday was a busy day filled with a giant to-do list and a look at the calendar made me tired. We are still in the middle of a major bathroom remodel that has our house dusty and disheveled and we are expecting two sets of company next week. I am thrilled for the company, but I wish my home could look a bit better for their visit.

Though I had many things that I should be doing, I went out to my neglected garden and gathered Sweet Peas and Cosmos. Then I found an envelope and harvested parsley seeds for next year’s garden. Finally, I brought a large colander and picked tomatoes. The afternoon sun was on my back, honeybees were visiting the blossoms and it was the first clear day (no forest fire smoke) we have had in some time. My dog and two of the cats helped me with my work (supervising and begging for attention). I was feeling more relaxed.

In the back of my mind my to-do list was nagging me, but I ignored it. The dog and I headed out to the back road for a walk. I stopped by the orchard and picked a pocketful of tiny, purple plums. It was a perfect early-autumn day, with a light breeze. I walked along eating plums and began to think grateful thoughts. Clear skies. Delicious fruit from our own trees. A peaceful walk to soothe my mind. Green fields. The bubbling sound of water in the ditch beside me. And so on. 

I do have much to be grateful for and please don’t think I am bragging. Things have been much worse. But that is when grateful thinking is most important. There are few situations where we cannot find something to be grateful for–sometimes it will be the things we take for granted, our vision or hot water, but there is usually something…

Half the battle is being aware of our thoughts and reminding ourselves of what is truly important. Catching the negative thinking and remembering that there are blessings all around us.